As the weather changes to cold, brisk autumn nights, we can think of few things better than wrapping ourselves up in a warm blanket to enjoy leaf peeping on the porch, snuggling in front of the fireplace, or cozying up with a good book.
But how to know which kind to choose? There are so many different types of blankets, and each one is made of a different material that makes it distinct and special. You also have to consider your home décor and personal style, as well as any allergies or sensitivities you or family members might have to certain materials.
To help you along your blanket-buying journey, we’ve created a guide that explains the different types of blankets and what they are best used for.
Types of blankets
Comforters
Sometimes simply called a blanket, comforters are the top layer of the bedding used on a mattress. While the outer layer of the comforter can range from quilt to velvet and everything in between, a comforter is meant to provide warmth, and so it tends to be filled with materials like wool, down (or feathers), or polyfill.
Throw blankets
While usually on the smaller side, throw blankets double as décor, making them a useful home accessory in more ways than one. Snuggle under a throw blanket while watching TV or reading a book, knowing that its color or pattern has added visual interest to the room as you enjoy a cozy autumn evening indoors, perhaps with a mug of cocoa. Throws offer a variety of styles, materials, and thicknesses, and they tend to be simple and inexpensive ways to pop in different hues or textures to your spaces.
Hoodie blankets
Hoodie blankets are oversized hoodies that double as blankets, as they provide ample material to wrap yourself in. They are so large that you can still wear your pajamas or regular day clothes underneath them. These types of blankets are meant to be snuggly, warm, and cozy, so the materials used are usually polyester, soft cotton, or wool blends.
Duvets
Like comforters, duvets are a type of bedding. But, unlike comforters, a duvet includes a soft-shell material filled with either down (feathers), wool, or a synthetic alternative, making it resemble a giant, pillow-like blanket that helps retain the right amount of heat. Duvets are also softer than most comforters.
Afghans
“Afghan” is another word for blanket, but it is generally crocheted, knitted, or quilted, offering a handmade, homespun appeal to a home. Afghans double as décor and add pops of color and patterns to a space. Place an Afghan blanket on a couch or the back of a chair for instant visual interest and decoration.
Weighted blankets
A weighted blanket is packed with heavy materials, such as plastic pellets or glass beads. Typically seen as a therapeutic device, these blankets are supposed to decrease common sleeping issues, from tossing and turning at night to more serious concerns like sleep apnea. By providing additional pressure, weighted blankets can also reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Cuddle wraps
Cuddle wraps offer a unique wraparound feature that feels like a shawl and blanket in one. These are easy to use, snapping or zipping in place, and tend to be lightweight for comfort. Cuddle wraps are great for sitting by the fireplace, camping, or hanging out around the house.
Different blanket materials
Fleece
Most fleece fabrics are made from polyester, with the rare few being made from wool or cotton. Either way, the fibers in fleece blankets can wick away moisture and dry fast, but the material is also soft and breathable, making them great for sitting in front of the fireplace or a fall bonfire.
Knit
Knit is just as it sounds — a material that has been knit together. Usually, the material of a knit blanket is wool and can hail from finer yarns or more chunky yarn strands.
Cable knit
A cable knit material is a style of knitting using many different layers of yarn to create intricate designs and textures. Think not only blankets but also Christmas stockings.
Sherpa
A sherpa blanket is a blanket made from sherpa fleece, which uses synthetic fabrics to warm up its wearer. Unlike other types of fleece, sherpa is easier to maintain and lighter, making it cozy for warmer spaces, such as in front of the fireplace. Typically, a sherpa blanket has one textured side and one smooth side, the latter for versatility, giving the wearer options of which kind of material they want touching their skin.
Synthetics
Synthetic materials can include anything from acrylic and polyester to microfibers. One of the drawbacks of synthetics is they aren’t as sustainable as natural fabrics. And even though they are warm, they tend to attract static electricity.
Wool
A traditional fabric, wool keeps its wearer warm and snug. The material comes from sheep, and the fabric is extremely breathable, allowing moisture to evaporate easily. Wool has long had a reputation for being itchy on skin, but that is not the case with most wool blankets made today since the fabric is carefully refined and softened. Wool does, however, require special care when it comes to cleaning it.
Cotton
Whatever the weather, cotton is a great material, especially if you can find a blanket made of 100% cotton. A natural fiber that is lightweight and breathable, cotton is a great alternative for those with skin sensitivities. Plus, it is relatively low maintenance and does not require extra care when cleaning.
Down
Down blankets are filled with very soft feathers or a synthetic substitute. The material is cozy and keeps its wearer warm without making him or her feel too hot and uncomfortable. This makes it a great option for cold fall and winter nights.
